UAE enforces strict ‘No Manifest, No Load’ policy, requires 72-hour shipping approval
Companies that do not comply face potential financial penalties and high logistical costs from rerouting or returning shipments.
UAE – The United Arab Emirates will enforce a ‘No Manifest, No Load’ policy from 15 June, requiring shipping instructions to be submitted to the National Advance Information Centre 72 hours before vessel departure from the final loading port.
The hard launch follows a phased implementation that began with a soft launch on 1 September 2025.
Policy Scope and Approval Requirements
According to a Maersk operational advisory released on 27 May, the requirement applies to all import, transhipment, and Freight Remaining on Board (FROB) shipments destined for or transiting through the UAE.
“From this date onwards, all import, transhipment, and FROB shipments destined for or transiting through the UAE will be required to obtain mandatory approval from the National Advanced Information Centre (NAIC) prior to loading. Shipments that do not receive the required approval will not be permitted to be loaded onto the vessel or enter UAE waters,” the advisory said.
Shipping instructions must be submitted 72 hours before the vessel’s estimated time of departure from the compliance load port. This is the loading port for the vessel carrying the container on the final leg into a UAE port.
Penalties and Logistical Risks
“Failure to comply may result in cargo being returned to South Africa (FROB), a Change of Destination (COD) being applied, and/or penalties issued by UAE Customs (NAIC),” Maersk said, adding that all associated logistical costs would be for the customer’s account.
Companies that do not comply face potential financial penalties and high logistical costs from rerouting or returning shipments.
For fresh produce exporters and logistics operators, the 72-hour deadline adds a critical planning requirement for perishable cargo destined for UAE markets or transiting through Jebel Ali, Fujairah, or other UAE ports.
Operational Impact on Transhipment and FROB Cargo
The mandate applies to all imports, transhipments, and cargo remaining on board that transit UAE waters. Failure to obtain mandatory customs approval before loading will result in the goods being barred from entry or returned to their point of origin.
As the hard launch on 15 June approaches, logistics managers should audit their manifest submission processes and coordinate closely with UAE customs brokers to avoid penalties, cargo returns, or costly rerouting.
Ultimately, these measures mark the final hard launch of a security initiative designed to streamline and more effectively monitor maritime trade.
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